Are Large SUVs Putting Second-Row Occupants at Risk?
When it comes to safety, bigger is not always better, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The agency conducted crash tests on three popular body-on-frame SUV models and found that some of these massive vehicles fail to adequately protect second-row occupants. This raises concerns about the safety of passengers in large SUVs.
The IIHS president, David Harkey, explained that while the large size of these SUVs may provide additional protection in crashes with smaller vehicles, they also pose a greater risk to other road users. Additionally, their enormous mass means there is a lot more force to manage when they crash into a fixed obstacle like a tree or bridge abutment.
The three SUV models tested were the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Ford Expedition, and the Jeep Wagoneer. Out of the three, only the Jeep Wagoneer qualified for a coveted 2024 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. However, it did not receive the Top Safety Pick+ award, and the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition did not receive any distinction at all.
Looking at the results for each model, the Jeep Wagoneer scored well in the small overlap – front and side-impact tests, receiving a Good rating. However, it received a Marginal rating in the updated moderate overlap – front test. The headlights on the upmarket trim levels were rated as Good, while the standard headlights on the more basic versions received an Acceptable rating. The forward collision warning system and seat belt chime were rated Good and Marginal, respectively.
The Chevrolet Tahoe received an Acceptable rating in the small overlap – front test, a Poor rating (the lowest given by the IIHS) in the moderate overlap – front test, and a Good rating in the side-impact test. Its headlights were rated as Poor, its forward collision warning system was Marginal, and its seat belt chime was Acceptable. The IIHS noted that there was enough intrusion into the footwell during the test, indicating a substantial risk of lower leg injuries. Performance in the passenger-side test was even worse.
The Ford Expedition scored a Marginal rating in the small overlap – front and moderate overlap – front tests, and a Good rating in the side-impact test. Its headlights were rated as Marginal, its forward collision warning system received a Good rating, and its seatbelt chime was considered Good.
However, it is the safety of second-row occupants that is of utmost concern to the IIHS. Measurements taken from the rear dummy in all three SUVs showed a high risk of chest injuries due to high seatbelt forces. In the Tahoe’s second row, the dummy showed a high risk of head or neck injuries, along with a risk of abdominal injuries. Despite having second-row belt pretensioners, the Expedition did not perform better in terms of protecting second-row occupants compared to its rivals.
In addition to these concerns, airbag-related problems were also identified during the crash tests. The Wagoneer’s driver dummy’s head hit the steering wheel through the airbag, and the driver’s side curtain airbag did not deploy in the Expedition.
To earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, a vehicle must perform well in various crash tests and have acceptable or good ratings for standard headlights. Previously, any passing headlight configuration would qualify, but only for that specific trim.
These findings highlight the importance of thorough safety testing and evaluation for all vehicles, regardless of their size. It is crucial for automakers to address these issues and prioritize the safety of all occupants, including those in the second row. As consumers, we should consider these findings when choosing our next SUV and prioritize the safety features that will protect not just ourselves but also our loved ones.
